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I am using PLA for 3D printing, and I know it does not degrade well in the wild. I would like to know if there is a chemical process I could use to treat it at home.

Specifically, I am looking for a cleaner alternative than throwing my 3d printing scraps in the garbage, so I wouldn't be generating toxic components when doing this, ideally. I want the plastic to degrade (in a few years, maybe?) when I put it underground while limiting the amount of toxic matter propagating in the soil.

I have read that hydrolyzing PLA could help to achieve this. I also found threads on dissolving it (How to dissolve PLA (polylactic acid)?). But as I am looking for an eco-friendly process, I think I need to stay away from this as the fumes may be very toxic and polluting

Posts like this one Can I really throw failed PLA prints on compost? mention a few requirements for PLA to degrade but don't talk about a way to achieve these conditions.

Bob Ortiz
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JCSB
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1 Answers1

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You can make it biodegradable but it is very hard you need oxygen a temperature of 140+ degrees and a 2/3 cocktail of organic substrate these are usually absent outside of a industrial composting facility.

I had the same question when I got my printer - it's better to just buy recycled filament or recycle your own but PLA is a byproduct of milk production so its pretty naturally sourced anyway.

Greenonline
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scifiguy
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